What Sound Do Chickens Make? A Guide to Chicken Noises

Have you ever thought that chickens have their own language that they use to talk to each other? The noises you hear coming from a chicken coop aren’t just meaningless squawks—they’re constantly giving each other information, warnings, or just telling each other how they feel. Adorable!.

So, to help you understand the language of chickens, we’ve identified the unique sounds that chickens make and what they mean.

No matter what kindergartener you ask, they will say “cluck cluck.” This is the happy sound that hens make as they go about their day, letting you know that everything is fine. You will hear this sound mostly when the hens are foraging or first thing in the morning when they gather outside for breakfast.

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Cackling (AKA the “egg song”)

Oh, the wonderful egg song! This excited “bawk-bawk-bawk” sound from a chicken is usually heard after the hen has laid an egg. Other hens in the flock and even the rooster will sometimes join in, making a beautiful chorus of happy songs.

Animal behaviorists are unsure of the purpose of the egg song – some think they are calling to the rooster to be escorted from the nest, while others think they could be drawing the attention of potential egg-eating predators away from their newly laid egg.

The loud “cock-a-doodle-doo” call of the rooster serves as a territorial declaration of their position as the flock leader. Most of the time, roosters crow early in the morning to welcome the day, but they will also do it during the day to protect their flock. They often make very different sounds when they crow, and they will crow when they hear other roosters a long way away.

Chickens will make a soft, gentle “purr” or “coo” sound when they are content or relaxed, showing that they feel safe and protected. It’s often heard when they are roosting, soaking up sunlight, or simply hanging out together in a dust bath. Mother hens will also purr to their chicks as reassurance that they are safe, warm, and protected.

To human ears, baby chicks might all sound the same, but a mother hen can recognize her baby’s chirps from up to 20 meters away. These high-pitched tones can indicate many things, including hunger, discomfort, or distress.

When a hen is defending her nest or feels threatened, she will emit a low, guttural growl. This is a protective sound, warning others to stay away from her eggs or young chicks. The hen may also ruffle her feathers to make herself look larger and more threatening.

Squawking normally occurs when a chicken is startled or scared, perhaps because a potential threat is nearby or there is some squabbling between the flock. This sound is perhaps most like a human scream – an involuntary noise that signals distress or fear.

Alarm calls in chickens are fascinating, as they can vary according to the location of the threat. Roosters normally have one loud squawking noise for ariel predators and another for threats on the ground, helping to instantly alert the flock to the location of whatever he has spotted. If the flock doesn’t have a rooster, the most dominant hen will sometimes take on this role.

As well as the initial alarm call, many roosters will continue to warn the flock by making a noise very similar to the egg song. It is very common for the hens to join in too, in which case they can make a considerable racket!

The grumbling noise that chickens make indicates that they are in a relaxed state and typically occurs when they are foraging or relaxing. This is a conversational sound that indicates they are content and calm, often made while pecking around for food or during social interactions with the other members of the flock.

You’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a chick peeping or chirping, but their mothers can recognize the difference between these sounds. A repetitive, light “peep-peep” sound is a signal of contentment or the need for reassurance from their mother. It is typically made when chicks are looking for their mother, especially when they are trying to find her after being separated.

A long, drawn-out “whine” is made by hens who are frustrated, often when they are trying to lay an egg but can’t find an ideal place to do so. Our hens often do this when there is a queue for their favorite nesting box or if they are struggling to get comfortable.

The food call is a series of soft but rapid “chur-chur” or “brr-brr” sounds, often accompanied by excited scratching or pecking at the ground. This noise is normally made by roosters and mother hens and indicates that a tasty food source has been found. The food call is guaranteed to bring the rest of the flock running in the hope that they’ll be first to get to the delicious treat!

Roosters sometimes make a soft repetitive cooing noise when encouraging hens to nest in a safe, quiet area. He may also puff out his chest or even act as a “lookout” to ensure the hens feel comfortable and protected as they settle down to lay. This adorable behavior strengthens his role as the protector and leader of the flock and increases his chances of reproductive success.

The lost call is typically a series of high-pitched, drawn-out “whines” or “chirps,” often more intense or urgent than their usual clucking or chirping. Young chicks make this sound if they get separated from their mother or siblings, and even adult chickens will make the lost call if they’re isolated or unsure of their surroundings. This sound is essentially a “Where are you?” call that allows the flock to locate each other and is heard more commonly in free-ranging chickens.

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FAQ

Do chickens say bawk or cluck?

A rooster will often call his hens over to share an especially tasty treat he has found. Be it some cracked corn, or an extra juicy insect, the rooster will make an excited, low clucking sound to get the hens attention and alert them of his special find.

What is the sound of the word chicken?

Sound it Out: Break down the word ‘chicken’ into its individual sounds “chik” + “uhn”. Say these sounds out loud, exaggerating them at first. Practice until you can consistently produce them clearly.

What is the chick sound called?

A cluck is a sound made by a chicken. A cheep is a sound made by a chick.

What sounds do chickens make?

From crowing in the morning to clucking and squawking, chickens make a lot of different sounds that can be lively and expressive. From the unique sound expressed when they’ve ‘Laid an Egg’ to the morning wake-up call. Some of these sounds may not be appealing to neighbors nearby. 12 Chicken Breeds That Will Keep the Noise Down 3. Interesting Smells.

Why do chickens make noise?

Chickens may not be loud as their cousins’ ducks, but they constantly chirp, cluck and squawk throughout the day. It can be annoying if the noise becomes a disturbance to you and the neighbors. There are several reasons why fowls make noise. One of them is when they are hungry or would like to eat.

Why do hens hear a loud noise?

It usually happens when chickens are doing their everyday activities like foraging or exploring their enclosure. Hens usually stay within earshot of each other so they can hear murmurs from the others. That way, if a chicken stops murmuring and lets out an alarming sound, the others will hear.